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Wambach retires

Ross DunbarOctober 27, 2015

The 35-year-old won the 2015 Women's World Cup in Canada and brings an end to a glittering career. Wambach is regarded as one of the greatest of her generation, taking the sport to new heights in the United States.

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Fussballerin Abby Wambach
Image: DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty Images

United States star Abby Wambach, the highest-scoring international footballer in history, has announced that she will retire at the end of 2015.

The 35-year-old's 15-year international career has spanned 252 appearances with her goal record standing at an incredible 184 goals - the most of any international player in either men or women's football. After finishing third in 2011, Wambach followed in the footsteps of Mia Hamm to become the second American to win FIFA's Women's Footballer of the Year in 2012.

"While we still have more work to do for women's soccer, after bringing the World Cup back to the United States this summer, I'm feeling extremely optimistic about the future of our sport," said Wambach who won the World Cup this year in Canada.

"It's been an amazing, wonderful ride and I can't wait to see what the next chapter of my life brings."

"Abby is a player who has transcended our sport and her legacy as one of the world's greatest players is set forever," the national team head coach Jill Ellis told US Soccer's official website.

"What she has done for women's soccer and women's sports overall with her amazing talents on the field and her personality off it has been inspiring to watch."

Wambach will join the US' team for their four matches in December, but will play her final international game on December 16 against China in New Orleans.